Preview — Praying for Peace
by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Praying for Peace

Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.

But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden in a janitor’s closet in the basement, and the former pastor’s spiriGhost talking can be murder…

Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.

But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden in a janitor’s closet in the basement, and the former pastor’s spirit hovering nearby.

Impeded by the cantankerous spirit Chantilly knows is hiding something, she must pick her way through the mystery of a long-ago fire and the dead guy stuffed inside the closet.

Can Chantilly discover how the two crimes are connected, and will she find out who the killer is before she becomes the next victim?...more

Community Reviews

Praying for Peace is Book 3 in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Series. This is a stand alone book, but definitely read the first two books because they are so good!

Chantilly's character is evolving and growing and I just love her personality. She has stumbled upon another body . She is on the case and talking to the dead.

Chantilly is trying to solve a murder and a church's very existence depends upon it because there are certain people that think it's haunted and should be torn down.

This myPraying for Peace is Book 3 in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Series. This is a stand alone book, but definitely read the first two books because they are so good!

Chantilly's character is evolving and growing and I just love her personality. She has stumbled upon another body . She is on the case and talking to the dead.

Chantilly is trying to solve a murder and a church's very existence depends upon it because there are certain people that think it's haunted and should be torn down.

This mystery is so well written with quite a few twists and turns. The characters are complex and well fleshed out. I look forward to the next book in this series. This author has outdone herself with this series and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

I have fallen hard for this series. So much so that I will stop other books I’m reading and make them wait while I read these. In this book Chantilly is looking into two murders. One old, the other recent. I don’t go beyond saying a bit of information on the mystery because you, the reader, should uncover everything as you read. That is how I enjoy my mysteries. I like Chantilly. She feels real to me. I was a single mom. I like her friends. Most of all I enjoy her discovering her gift of seeingI have fallen hard for this series. So much so that I will stop other books I’m reading and make them wait while I read these. In this book Chantilly is looking into two murders. One old, the other recent. I don’t go beyond saying a bit of information on the mystery because you, the reader, should uncover everything as you read. That is how I enjoy my mysteries. I like Chantilly. She feels real to me. I was a single mom. I like her friends. Most of all I enjoy her discovering her gift of seeing and talking to the dead. The author takes us at a good pace with this. If she had stated everything in the first book, I’m not sure I would have come back. The slow adjustment is what keeps me coming back. I have time between bookstore think about how things are developing. I loved her discovery that someone else has the same kind of gift. Most things that we think are only happening to us are not that unique. I enjoyed this book, the people and the mystery. I hope you read the book and enjoy it, too. ...more

Chantilly is currently working on a plan to restore the church. She goes to the church and speaks with the pastor and the secretary. She looks around for a while before heading to the basement to check out the foundation of the building. When a ghost leads her straight to a closet and opens it, Chantilly finds the body of the caretaker. The mayor is beginning to think about tearing down the church and rebuilding it due to bad memories. Chantilly needs to investigate and convince the mayor to resChantilly is currently working on a plan to restore the church. She goes to the church and speaks with the pastor and the secretary. She looks around for a while before heading to the basement to check out the foundation of the building. When a ghost leads her straight to a closet and opens it, Chantilly finds the body of the caretaker. The mayor is beginning to think about tearing down the church and rebuilding it due to bad memories. Chantilly needs to investigate and convince the mayor to restore it instead. This is a great cozy mystery and two of the characters can always be relied on for snark and laughs. I really liked this cozy and definitely recommend it....more

Chantilly is still seeing ghosts and has decided to start helping them, but what if one adamantly doesn't want help even if it means the demise of a stunning piece of historical architecture in the town? Will that ghost fight back and cause harm or let Chantilly do what she needs to do to see justice served and peace brought once again while saving the historic church in town? The characters just keep getting better and better. Each book sees more depth and really helps bring the characters to lChantilly is still seeing ghosts and has decided to start helping them, but what if one adamantly doesn't want help even if it means the demise of a stunning piece of historical architecture in the town? Will that ghost fight back and cause harm or let Chantilly do what she needs to do to see justice served and peace brought once again while saving the historic church in town? The characters just keep getting better and better. Each book sees more depth and really helps bring the characters to life which only enhances the plot lines in each book a bit more. If you haven't read this series, you really should and I do recommend starting at the beginning as it will really help you get to know everyone much better! I can't wait to visit with Chantilly and her gal pal squad again soon! ...more

Very exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns to see if there is a link between a 50 year old fire and death and a present day murder. It's up to Chantilly to see if there is a connection while she tries to save and restore and old historical church. Touching moments with a ghost named Charlie and definitely some surprises from the ghost of Pastor Alabaster and his son (who is not a ghost). I love how Chantilly’s friends are always willing to help her. I could not put this book down. ThisVery exciting mystery with lots of twists and turns to see if there is a link between a 50 year old fire and death and a present day murder. It's up to Chantilly to see if there is a connection while she tries to save and restore and old historical church. Touching moments with a ghost named Charlie and definitely some surprises from the ghost of Pastor Alabaster and his son (who is not a ghost). I love how Chantilly’s friends are always willing to help her. I could not put this book down. This has turned out to be one of my very favorite series and I look forward to the next installment....more

Another fun Chantilly Adair ghostly adventure! Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair now has the gift of seeing and talking to ghosts after falling down the stairs at the Historical society and smashing her head on the marble floor. In this 3rd book Chantilly is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.

But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden inAnother fun Chantilly Adair ghostly adventure! Castleberry Historical society manager Chantilly Adair now has the gift of seeing and talking to ghosts after falling down the stairs at the Historical society and smashing her head on the marble floor. In this 3rd book Chantilly is excited to finalize the proposal plans for the old Baptist church just outside of town, officially marking it as a registered historic property.

But that excitement turns to confusion when she finds a dead body hidden in a janitor’s closet in the basement, and the former pastor’s spirit hovering nearby.

Impeded by the cantankerous spirit Chantilly knows is hiding something, she must pick her way through the mystery of a long-ago fire and the dead guy stuffed inside the closet. I really enjoyed this adventure with Chantilly and all her quirky friends of Castleberry. I am ready for another one. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson! Keep them coming! ...more

Chantilly Adair. Has found another body detective jack is not happy, but finding bodies and talking to the dead is what Chantilly does best.. trying to help solve a murder in this case to keep a church from being torn down because those that believe it's haunted.. but to save a building that's been around for a long time that's what the town wants.. this is the third book in the series and each book just gets better and better Chantilly is my favorite character there's a few others but she is toChantilly Adair. Has found another body detective jack is not happy, but finding bodies and talking to the dead is what Chantilly does best.. trying to help solve a murder in this case to keep a church from being torn down because those that believe it's haunted.. but to save a building that's been around for a long time that's what the town wants.. this is the third book in the series and each book just gets better and better Chantilly is my favorite character there's a few others but she is tops.I absolutely love reading books from this author she just keeps me wanting more and always can't wait for another book in this particular series it is my favorite I love style of writing the author has thank you.I also recommend this book along with others from this author to pick up and read check them out she's awesome you will fall in love with this author as fast as I did I'm always looking for the next read.....more

This is the 3rd book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series, but it works very well as a standalone. I enjoy this southern cozy mystery mystery so much, and it's a pleasure to read. I savor these books, looking forward to reading a little light mystery before bedtime each night. The characters are great, and I especially enjoy the main character of Chantilly. The small southern town is a great place for the mysteries and Chantilly's job with the historical society brings her into contact wThis is the 3rd book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium series, but it works very well as a standalone. I enjoy this southern cozy mystery mystery so much, and it's a pleasure to read. I savor these books, looking forward to reading a little light mystery before bedtime each night. The characters are great, and I especially enjoy the main character of Chantilly. The small southern town is a great place for the mysteries and Chantilly's job with the historical society brings her into contact with ghosts whose souls need to be settled in order to move on. The stories are fascinating, interwoven with a mystery in the present day. I highly recommend this book, along with the other books in the series. I was provided an ARC of this book from the author, but the opinions are my own....more

Chantilly is trying to do the right thing for the town by getting the church renovated. While down in the basement to look at some old original pieces of the church she finds a dead body. Unfortunately, this dead body is not talking to her. Things get complicated when the ghost of the former pastor tells her to "Let it go". The police thought they knew of a possible suspect, but that didn't pan out. Chantilly tried to tell the detective her thoughts, and he just dismisses her ideas. Can ChantillChantilly is trying to do the right thing for the town by getting the church renovated. While down in the basement to look at some old original pieces of the church she finds a dead body. Unfortunately, this dead body is not talking to her. Things get complicated when the ghost of the former pastor tells her to "Let it go". The police thought they knew of a possible suspect, but that didn't pan out. Chantilly tried to tell the detective her thoughts, and he just dismisses her ideas. Can Chantilly find out who the killer is and why? Will, the church be restored to its original beauty? I enjoyed this story very much. It shows how the characters are developing and the interactions are great. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book....more

Praying for Peace is the third book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium. While trying to get the Mayor Tyson to help restore the First Baptist Church a historical building Chantilly finds the body of Acel when she was taking pictures and notes for the restoration. Chantilly thinks that if she solves the mystery of the fire which killed five people including Pastor Newton Alabaster's father. Can Chantilly solve the mystery with all the conflicting stories from everyone or will someone else getPraying for Peace is the third book in the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium. While trying to get the Mayor Tyson to help restore the First Baptist Church a historical building Chantilly finds the body of Acel when she was taking pictures and notes for the restoration. Chantilly thinks that if she solves the mystery of the fire which killed five people including Pastor Newton Alabaster's father. Can Chantilly solve the mystery with all the conflicting stories from everyone or will someone else get hurt? And then there is Thelma who is so depressed over her Charles that died many years ago. Will Chantilly be able to help Thelma?

I enjoyed reading the Advanced Reader Copy from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and can't wait for the next one. ...more

Chantilly returns and is looking into restoring the town’s church. It was previously damaged in a fire and the old pastor died in the fire. As Chantilly looks through the church for what would be necessary to restore it to its former glory, she finds the janitor dead in a basement closet. For those familiar with the previous books, Chantilly fell down the stairs, hitting her head, and developed the ability to see and speak with ghosts. Chantilly uses her ability to solve both the new and old murChantilly returns and is looking into restoring the town’s church. It was previously damaged in a fire and the old pastor died in the fire. As Chantilly looks through the church for what would be necessary to restore it to its former glory, she finds the janitor dead in a basement closet. For those familiar with the previous books, Chantilly fell down the stairs, hitting her head, and developed the ability to see and speak with ghosts. Chantilly uses her ability to solve both the new and old murder.

I enjoy this series. The presence of the older women in the town as Chantilly’s friends as well as some younger ones make for great stories. ...more

Chantilly's abilities with ghosts come in handy once again, after she discovers another dead body in the basement of the town church. Chantilly is convinced the fatal fire from 50+ years ago has something to do with the recent murder, but town cop, Jack, is reluctant to agree.

There are some sweet moments with a particular ghost in this story, and we learn more about Thelma's past.

This was another fun book in the series, in each one we discover a little more about the town and its residents.

I’ve always enjoyed a good cold case in my mysteries. I go back and forth with my readying, I enjoy thrillers butI always come back to cozy mysteries, because they are easy to digest, kind of like a palate cleanser. The small southern town has a quirkiness to it you just keep Coming back to. In this installment Chantilly is trying to solve not one but two murders, one from 60 years ago and one more recent. If you like quick cozy mysteries then I highly recommend this series. I look forward to moI’ve always enjoyed a good cold case in my mysteries. I go back and forth with my readying, I enjoy thrillers butI always come back to cozy mysteries, because they are easy to digest, kind of like a palate cleanser. The small southern town has a quirkiness to it you just keep Coming back to. In this installment Chantilly is trying to solve not one but two murders, one from 60 years ago and one more recent. If you like quick cozy mysteries then I highly recommend this series. I look forward to more adventures to come! ...more

As Chantilly Adair learns more about her recently acquired gift of being a psychic medium, she is helping those who have passed move on and solving the occasional murder. Chantilly’s new project is getting the town counsel to help pay for the restoration of a historical church that was heavily damaged by fire a generation ago. Now a body found in the church is waking the ghosts of the past and uncovering the secrets that had been forgotten long ago. This series continues to get better with eachAs Chantilly Adair learns more about her recently acquired gift of being a psychic medium, she is helping those who have passed move on and solving the occasional murder. Chantilly’s new project is getting the town counsel to help pay for the restoration of a historical church that was heavily damaged by fire a generation ago. Now a body found in the church is waking the ghosts of the past and uncovering the secrets that had been forgotten long ago. This series continues to get better with each installment, I am looking forward to many more in the future....more

I really enjoyed this book! I love the characters. Chantilly is so interesting and fun. And her friends are wonderful. I love how they work together to help solve the mystery and they have great witty banter. They had me laughing. This book is so fun. In this book Chantilly works to solve two mysteries one of which is about 50 years old. The mystery is interesting and has so many twists and turns. There are a number of ghosts in this book and Chantilly is really growing in her abilities. I justI really enjoyed this book! I love the characters. Chantilly is so interesting and fun. And her friends are wonderful. I love how they work together to help solve the mystery and they have great witty banter. They had me laughing. This book is so fun. In this book Chantilly works to solve two mysteries one of which is about 50 years old. The mystery is interesting and has so many twists and turns. There are a number of ghosts in this book and Chantilly is really growing in her abilities. I just love this series and can't wait to see what future books will bring! ...more

I love all things paranormal and having the lead character of a book able to see and talk to ghosts is one of my all time fav reads. I love the southern charm of Chantilly. She is very self-conscious about her ability and doesn't flaunt it. But she doesn't back away when things get tense and scary, either. It's not a dark or even gruesome paranormal mystery...it's a whodunit with a nice paranormal mix that keeps the story flowing. I loved every minute of it! Excellent read!

Chantilly Adair goes to work to solve both an old and new murder in the third installment of this enchanting series. Chantilly continues to adjust to her supernatural skills as ghosts solicit her assistance with giving messages to the living while she gathers clues about the murders with the support of her core group of close friends. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book with a surprise ending. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

This is the 3rd book of the Chantilly Adair series, a relatively new series that is of the typical wonderfulness of this author! This one was a little creepy in spots, adding a fantastic overall feel to the book. The characters are developing nicely! Can Chantilly's ability to see ghosts help her solve a decades old murder, a recent murder, and save a beautiful old church from destruction? A very nice, enjoyable read and excellent series as well!

The author said this book would work as a standalone and yes, you could totally do that. But you’d be missing out! A great series and this book was a great addition to the series. Such fun to read! I really enjoyed it.

Chantilly, who can see and talk to ghosts, has to solve another murder. And there’s some history too. I loved it! And of course, Chantilly’s friends are such fun! And I was surprised by what happened. I love twists and turns in a mystery!

This is the 3rd book in the Chantilly Adair psychic medium series but can be read as a stand alone I enjoy this series the more it goes one. The small southern cozy mystery, the quirky characters and the mystery is so good. In this installment Chantilly finds another body that detective Jack wants her to stay of but helps her find out the killer. I would highly recommend this

The best thing about this series is the characters. They are quirky, funny, and interesting. There are a couple mysteries to solve and a few ghosts to help. Chantilly is trying to deal with a new aspect of her gift, solve the mysteries, contend with Jack, all while doing her job. There's a lot on her plate and she's determined to do it all. There a some surprising turns that keep you guessing. This fast paced cozy mystery is a great addition to the series.

Readers are in for a treat with this series. I was so excited to get the ARC that I put a pause on the book I had been reading just to read this one. I enjoy this series and the author has written another wonderful book. Chantilly is back talking with ghosts including a minister who died in a church fire decades ago. There's even one very special ghost who's there to have Chantilly relay a message to one of her quirky friends. And, yes they are all back in this book, too.

This is the third visit with Chantilly. Once again she becomes involved in a murder investigation when she finds a body. The local detective still won’t accept how help from Chantilly since she doesn’t have “training.” This time the spirits seemed to be more of a hindrance than a help. This is an interesting addition to the series.

Chantilly wants to restore a beautiful old church that was partially destroyed 60 years ago as well as killing the pastor in the fire, While looking at the church she uncovers a murder and needs to help set the record straight on what really happened on the night of the fateful fire, though some ghosts would rather let it rest.

Chantilly works for the Historical Society and sees Ghost. While trying to get renovation for the local Baptist church, Chantilly stumbles on a body... Is this tied to a fire and death from back in the 1960s? Can Chantilly keep the renovations on track?

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson currently calls the Atlanta suburbs home, but can't rule out her other two homes, Indianapolis and somewhere in the Chicago suburbs. She is old enough to share her empty nest with her husband, two dogs and two cats, all of which she strongly obsesses over, repeatedly noted on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, and is working on forgiving her kids for growing up and leavinCarolyn Ridder Aspenson currently calls the Atlanta suburbs home, but can't rule out her other two homes, Indianapolis and somewhere in the Chicago suburbs. She is old enough to share her empty nest with her husband, two dogs and two cats, all of which she strongly obsesses over, repeatedly noted on her Facebook and Instagram accounts, and is working on forgiving her kids for growing up and leaving the nest. When she is not writing, editing, playing with her animals or contemplating forgiving her kids, she is sitting at Starbucks listening in on people's conversations and taking notes, because that stuff is great for book ideas. On a more professional note, she is the bestselling author of the Angela Panther mystery series featuring several fulllength novels and novellas, the Lily Sprayberry Realtor Cozy Mystery Series, the Chantilly Adair Psychic Medium Cozy Mystery Series, and a collection of romantic novellas. Stay in touch with Carolyn through her mailing list at carolynridderaspenson.com.